High-mount brake light won't work

[JDM_Alex]

I just got a 1991 240sx last week. The high-mount brake light wasn't working, so I just bought new bulbs. I thought that would fix it but it didn't...so I checked the fuses (which are fine). Now I don't know what to look for. The sockets look alright. I just need to know what the next thing to check is.

Other information: all new bulbs, all working fuses. My regular brake/tail lights work fine along with the rear side-markers. I don't have an antenna...if that has anything to do with it...which means I have like 3 socket connectors just unhooked and sitting in the trunk..
Modified by JDM_Alex at 3:17 PM 9/15/2009

[Wc240]

check for voltage at all the lights(with lights on of course) if you have proper voltage at all lights, witch i think you will, check the grounds. for the headlight, do the same. start there

[JDM_Alex]

thanks, ill try it out

[JDM_Alex]

i cant seem to find where the actual grounds are located, where should i look? (i havent picked up a haynes manual for the 240 yet )

However, i did come across an unpluged wire while i was looking. It's located right by the high-mount wires and have wire colors as follows; blue+white, red+green, orange, black. All the wires go into a common plug. The plug, however, is unplugged and I don't know where to plug it or if it has a relationship the the high-mount failure. If it has any relevance, my 240 doesnt have a spoiler or an antenna, they were taken out by the previous owner. Where does that plug actually connect to?

[JDM_Alex]

bump..i don't want a ticket

[Steady_One_S13]

My 2cents... check the bulb socket. They tend to be a bit loose. Remove bulb and gently squeeze the socket with pliers, but don't over exert force. Fit the bulb and make sure its not loose. Make sure you disconnect the battery. I did this to my rear brake lights and they work fine now.

[JDM_Alex]

Thanks for the advice, I gave it a shot but still got nothing. I did come across a plug with 4 different colored wires going into it. It was unplugged and in the hatch area near the high mounts. Would that have anything to do with the high-mounts not working? Like if they were running on a series circuit or something?

[Wc240]

a plug that isnt plugged up is seldom a good thing. try plugging it up? where is it and what are the wire colors? try tracing/following it and see where it leads

[JDM_Alex]

yeah, I'm starting to believe that is the reason for the high-mount failure. The plug has 4 wires that all go into the plug. The wire colors are: blue+white, red+green, orange, black. It's located in the exact same area as the high-mount sockets are...i.e. in the hatch. I tried tracing it but it leads to black insulation with more wires in it and I can't trace them. Other than that, I have no idea where to plug this thing in, there aren't any "open" connectors for it to plug in anyway....overall, I'm confused lol

[jlmuy]

Hey i had the same problem with my 91 SE... I work in a BMW dealer & we run into these types of problems often. My problem ended up being pinched wiring by the right side trunk lid harness gromet. From years of flexing the wring was cut causing the 3rd brake light failure. I was able to repair the wiring. If you PM me I'll send a pic where is was & give more details how to repair it.

[JDM_Alex]

i dont think we have pm on here. but if you could, you are more than welcome to post pictures here.

[jlmuy]

Hey Alex if u have AIM, then IM me my sn: jlmuy & i'll help u out if your still having problems with u're lights.

[JDM_Alex]

sorry i dont have an AIM. if you want, you can just list the steps you took to fix it and ill ask if i have any other questions. anyway thanks for the help.